Post navigation

Recent Studies Regarding Treatment for ADD/ADHD

So, continuing on with our look at studies published and available through PubMed regarding ADD/ADHD and outcomes, we are looking at a few studies today regarding more “natural” treatment methods (from the medical/research perspective).

Here is the first one, for the younger crowd: “Treatment of Preschoolers with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” out of Duke University Medical Center. The thing I found most intriguing about the results of this article, which was a review of the current treatment literature for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers, is that “ Parent training studies show consistent behavioral improvements reported by teachers and observers as well as parents, with evidence of clinically significant improvement in ADHD symptoms for up to 2 years.” The other interesting quote I found was the author’s statement that: “There is evidence to support the benefit of immediate-release stimulant medication for up to 1 year; however, effects do not seem to be as large, and some of the side effects may be greater than for school-age children. With regard to nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, there are literally no controlled outcome data for children with ADHD who are younger than 5 years of age. Overall, a great deal remains to be learned about the safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapy in this age group.”

Has anyone out there had experience with parent training for dealing with children with ADD/ADHD? What did that look like, and how did it work for you and your family? Please do leave a comment below and get the word out to other families if this was helpful to you.

Moving on to study number two, out of the University of British Columbia : “Nutritional status of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study”. This study with a small sample number essentially showed that children with ADHD showed a predisposition for low zinc and copper status in ADHD. I also found another preliminary study that talked about the need for a randomized clinical trial of “micronutrients” as a way to improve mood and impulsivity in ADHD, but I cannot find which study that was to quote it verbatim for you all.

Study number three: “Children with Attention Deficits Concentrate Better After Walk in the Park.” This study is from the University of Illinois in Urbana and looked at 17 children diagnosed with ADHD. The children, ages 7-12, walked in a park, downtown, and in a neighborhood. The study found that “twenty minutes in a park setting was sufficient to elevate attention performance relative to the same amount of time in other settings. These findings indicate that environments can enhance attention not only in the general population but also in ADHD populations. “Doses of nature” might serve as a safe, inexpensive, widely accessible new tool in the tool kit for managing ADHD symptoms.”

These studies may at least provide a starting point for parents to dialogue with their health care providers and discuss treatment options that can assist their children from a holistic perspective.

Marsha Johnson recently posted a list of recommendations for parents on the Waldorfhomeeducators yahoo list which seemed very sensible from an anthroposophic perspective, to nourish the senses of embodiment, to soothe and stimulate with warmth and rhythm and balance. Maybe you’ve seen it?

Fascinating studies! My son gets most of his nutrition from a special formula via feeding tube, but as soon as I read this I checked the formula label for the zinc and copper contents. I’ll be bringing this up at his next appointment.

I’m definitely interested in hearing more about the parent training…is this along the lines of activities like those in the book Out of Sync Child?

Speaking of books, I added the book you mentioned to my Amazon wish list, and it will DEFINITELY be a part of my next Amazon order.

There has been a recent thread on the Marsha’s ‘waldorfhomeeducators’ board about this subject of ADHD.
Things that were mentioned in the alternative treatment were diet, specifically the Weston price Foundation and the GAPS diet, amongst some others and also the possibility if you live in a highly infested tick area, that Lyme disease is a possible cause of ADHD, as it attacks the nervous system in some instances and does not necessarily show obvious other sings of Lyme, also not all the usual tests for Lyme discover it, which I did not know about.
You might want to read up on this thread, it is very interesting, here is the link to it, as it would be too long to mention all the different sources that have been brought up by members:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/waldorfhomeeducators/message/17961

Carrie,
I am about to begin the GAPS diet with my 6 year old son who has ADHD. Additionally, I am reading through Rief’s book, “The ADD/ADHD checklist. This book has given me some very practical techniques which are assisting me — and the rest of the family — to cope with the condition. However, the most revolutionary step I took was a Montessori education. The educational approach is absolutely perfect for every child; however, for a child who suffers with ADHD symptoms is the the only answer. I encourage all parents to visit a Montessori school and see how the ‘classroom’ is structured. Not all schools who advertise themselves are Montessori. Check the AMI website for a list of recognised schools and suggested tips for a true Montessori school.

Karina,
I really appreciate your perspective and what works for your family. However, I have to add here that I mainly focus on Waldorf Education on this blog and would respectfully point out that there are many differences between a Montessori and Waldorf Education.
Thank you for sharing what you are excited about and many blessings on your family,
Carrie